the domain name to a friend of mine's band expired the other night unbeknownst to them and was quickly reregistred by some fellow in taiwan. the contact email was not up to date so they were unaware the domain was near expiration. my question is, is there anyway to get the domain back baring the person isn't willing to negotiate a "fair" price? all help is appreciated.

Unless your friend has trademark or intellectual property rights to the name, it might be best to:

1) chalk it up to experience

2) try to buy back the name from the current owner

3) register the .biz or (if your friend is a United States citizen) .us extension of the domain

4) think of another domain name to use instead